German Motorrad

Kramer Motorcycles

A Brief History of the Marque

Fritz Kramer of Laubus-Eschbach ran a motorcycle business established by his father in Laubus-Eschbach, Hesse, and was very active in motocross and enduro. Having campaigned and sold DKW, the firm then took up with Maico and their successful competition machines became known as Kramer-Maico, of which some 50 to 80 were produced in the years 1975-76.

In 1977 they began producing Rotax-powered machines under the Kramer brand and were immediately successful, most of them being sold in France where they had an enthusiastic importer. In 1980 Kramer hit financial difficulties and folded due, it is said, to non-payment by the French importer.

A new company was formed in Italy initially named Kramer Italia and from 1982 Kram-It. At that stage the firm became totally Italian with the exception of the engine which Rotax still supplied.

Peter Heuser, an importer and distributor, purchased the remnants of the German Kramer concern and attempted to re-establish the marque in the mid-1980s, with disastrous consequences. Facing financial ruin, he committed suicide.

The last of the many owners of the Kramer brand is believed to be Reinhard Hallat, in the late 1990s.

Sources: GTU Oldtimerservice, classic-motorrad.de, kramer-sportmotorraeder.de, motociclismo.es


24-Feb-2025
LordPaulChant at proton dot me
Kramer 410
Dear European motorcycles,
I have I believe one of the original factory bikes Kramer built for motor racing, It was based on a Can Am with Rotex engine 406 cc .
Its was road plated under (Q) in England and I still have the original registration plate attached with documents, the original forks are damaged which where standard magnesium alloy Marzocchi.
The last time I started her where around 30 years ago!
I have a few spare parts, carburettor and a front sprocket with extra teeth where at one time it was going to be road raced?
I also have a spare front wheel with a special double acting brake leaver, supposedly built buy a professional racer.
The last owner told me all this and that it was used for hill climbing and is in police video's, It also has the original steel fuel tank which was used on the road between competitions as that was a legal requirement in England at that time.
It also retains its twin gas rear shocks, something spatial at that period of time and may of been excluded from some race meeting's as it was too advanced for that time!
As stated on document.
Q129 REU (MANF . DATE UNKNOWN)
Colour Orange/White
Chassis Number 00764
Engine Number 130219
406 cc
Date of UK Registration 21/03/1991
*(motorcycle believed to of been manufactured in 1977... my entry)
This information is on the Registration Log Book and needs to be confirmed on Motorcycle.
I hope this helps
Kindest Regards.
Paul Chant Somerset England
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